The next Oakwood Rotary household hazardous waste pick-up event is on Saturday, October 19. Citizens desiring a pick-up should call (937) 296-5155 before noon on Friday, October 18, and leave their name and address.
The annual leaf collection program begins on Monday, October 14. As in previous years, the program will provide bi-weekly leaf pickups of all areas throughout the city. The city is divided into ten sections with each being collected on a 2-week interval. The program is scheduled to continue until Friday, December 20, but will be extended if conditions warrant.
Manhole adjustments are being made on roadways throughout the city with a “Mr. Manhole” machine.
A street sweeper was purchased this year for $268,465. The sweeper works great around boulevards and narrow street areas.
The Public Works Department cleans the entire 211,200 feet (about 40 miles) of the underground sanitary sewer system. The goal is to clean the entire system every three years.
The Public Works Department replaced around 50’ of water main and installed several valves at Far Hills Avenue and Park Avenue before the paving on Far Hills Avenue. Approximately 40’ of water main was replaced and several valves were installed at Harman Avenue and Park Avenue. This fall, underground electrical work will be completed on Well #6, and an underground vault will be removed on Peach Orchard Road.
From December 2023 to March 2024, the Public Works Department used 564 tons of salt through the winter season, compared to 741 tons in 2023. There are approximately 800 tons of salt in storage. The cost of salt this year is $63.97 per ton, compared to $91.62 per ton last year.
Mr. Spitler reminded residents that if you plan any sort of digging or excavating on your property, be sure to call Ohio 8-1-1 ahead of your scheduled start.
Mr. Spitler shared several personnel changes in the Public Works Department. Longtime employees Mike Kingdom retired in April 2024; Elonsie Kirk retired in June 2024; and Steve Kunz retired in August 2024. The Public Works Department welcomed Brandon Cuzner, General Service Worker; Jacob Dupler, General Service Worker; Peter Kurtz, General Service Worker; and Jason Adkins, Water/Sewer Technician.
CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS
Mr. Klopsch thanked Mr. Spitler for the department report. He commended the Public Works Department for all of the good work in providing so many essential public services to the Oakwood community. He noted that Mr. Spitler oversees about 1/3 of all Oakwood employees.
Mr. Klopsch commented on the August 18 event recognizing the 50th anniversary of Smith Gardens and Ms. Collins' 50 years of employment with the city of Oakwood. Ms. Collins started in Oakwood in 1974 when the city was gifted Smith Gardens from the Carlton Smith Family. Ms. Collins has embraced Smith Gardens since day one. He publicly thanked Ms. Collins for everything she has done and will continue to do for the city.
The most disruptive work on Far Hills Avenue resurfacing project is completed. An asphalt surface treatment will be applied next week to extend the life of the new pavement. After that, the permanent roadway striping will be done.
Concrete repairs will continue in the Far Hills Business District for another week or two, at the most.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mrs. Jackson commented on the process City Council used in selecting the new city manager. She shared that she is grateful for the leadership of Mayor Duncan who kept the process focused and timely. She said that she appreciates her fellow council members for their open minds throughout the process.
Mrs. Turben congratulated Oakwood City Schools for another great report card earning a five-star rating and exceeding state standards.
Mr. Stephens thanked his fellow council members for devoting their time to finding the new city manager. He opines that Council made a wonderful choice with Katie Smiddy and believes she will lead the City for many years to come. He thanked Oakwood citizens for their patience with the construction work along Far Hills Avenue. He closed his comments by congratulating Mrs.